InCity Times strikes again
In a city like Worcester, MA, it's pretty easy to start up a print rag, people do it all the time. There are so many business that are more than willing to dump a few bucks for advertising that getting the ball rolling is a pretty simple task. There are three such rags in circulation now that can at least claim some sticking power. Worcester Magazine which has been around for years and covers more main stream politics and general area news on weekly basis. The Pulse, started by local political fund raiser and consultant Paul Giorgio after he split from Worcester Magazine targets a younger crowd with more regional entertainment and lifestyle coverage. And sorta new comer, InCity Times. InCity Times is the brain child on Rosalie Tirella, also a former WoMag employee and depending on who you ask, a total fucking nut job. The Times has a following that can't be ignored, in the same way you can't ignore two dogs fucking in a public place. It's perfectly natural and expected, but remains ridiculous no matter how many times you see it. It's essentially one run-on advertisement/editorial, the sort of thing that you see in TIME when a company buys half a dozen pages to spread its message. Most articles are written either by Tirella herself, local hack politicians or wannabe hack politicians under the guise of editorial, but are really just a cheap way for them to air their agendas. Week after week its the same garbage with never a break from Tirella's own personal convictions, but her latest run sets a new standard for just how bad journalism can get.
The first story to make me pee myself in a public place was a piece written by John Monfredo, a former grade school principal who is currently seeking a seat on Worcester's school committee. His piece is titled
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Re: InCity Times strikes again
Good read, thanks Buck.
Re: InCity Times strikes again
I found myself saying something I never thought I would this past weekend: Worcester could really learn from Lowell.
Lowell!! Of all places. If it isn't bad enough that Providence has lasered right past this city, it breaks my heart to have seen first hand that downtown Lowell is prettier and offers more than any neiborhood in Worcester. Restaurants, clubs, bars, galleries, all in one area. People walking through the streets trying to decide with place to stop in for an after dinner drink. Murals, cobblestone and no available parking spots in the 1 square mile area.
It is sad for me to realise that Lowell has beaten Worcester to the punch. And seeing what I see living in there, Fitchburg may not be to far behind.
Edited to say: InCity Times is zealotry.
Terella is doing much more harm to her cause than helping the city better itself.
I am glad that she has her rag to say her piece and she has every right to. I am also glad the Mr. Paxton and many others take the time public expose her for the journalistic fraud that she is.
Re: InCity Times strikes again
"I am glad that she has her rag to say her piece and she has every right to."
She could just start a blog like everyone else. With lots of pop-up ads to retain the advertising income. ;-)
Re: InCity Times strikes again
That paper is a shame and why doesn't she just come out and say she wants to fuck Allen Fletcher. I mean, ever issue has some sort of article or gripe about him.
Worcester is changing for the better. It's too bad that some people won't be along for the ride.
http://elbrendel.blogspot.com/
Re: InCity Times strikes again
Boy, that's a tough call. I realize this chick is a nut job - I've been reading her stuff - but my dad owned a sign business on Lafayette St. in the island and I saw first hand the hard work that goes on there. I know a lot of those people and have put signs on just about all of those buildings. I'd love to see the canal thing work out but relocation for a lot of these people just isn't an option. It smacks of privatized eminent domain. I just hope there's a way for the "mixed use" idea to work.
Re: InCity Times strikes again
Scott I don't disagree that hard work is to be rewarded. But many of the business in the island don't represent current needs. When we were an industrial city, Green Island was its center, and for good reason, the water way was replaced by the rails and not much had too change. But lets be realistic here. I'm sure there was a point in time when the neighborhood sword maker did everything in his power to keep the big bad gun smith from moving into town; today the little plumbing supply guy is feeling the pinch from Home Depot. Consumer tastes have changed and our expectations of what makes sense in terms of who we give our money to is much different than it was 30 years ago. If you were playing Sim City today, where would you stick the scrap metal business? You wouldn't, you would build parks, entertainment, schools, libraries, airports and train stations; and your little make belive city would thrive. Worcester is no different right now. There is so much interest in our little town, we can write our own check. If we decide the guy who has been doing business for a hundred years in the same spot is more important than the guy who can do business for the next hundred years, then were doing ourselves the ultimate disservice. Focusing on the good old days, does not bring them back. We need to be forward thinking more than ever right now; a tire store and a bottle deposit CAN NOT drive the direction of the city.
Re: InCity Times strikes again
I understand your point Buck, just as the barge hauler had to make way for the train engineer, but these businesses are still doing pretty well. For a guy like me who works at a small business and tries to stay away from Bank and Store and Sub Shop etc. to get, for what I see, is a better product and service these guys are still viable. I'm not delusional, I realize that the world is shifting to the corporations not only for dollar value but for sheer population needs but I still want my stuff from mom and pop. On the other hand, from a man who likes to socialize as well as having cool cultural areas to hang I want to see Worcester invest in those. So, in lieu of a solution, as I've said before, tough call.
Re: InCity Times strikes again
I think we should arm wrestle over it, sally.
I hear what you're saying and in theory I agree, in regards to who I would rather do business with. My point is does a scrap metal business belong in the hart of the city if someone could make better use of the space and in effect do more for the city. I'd would be interested in seeing what that land would be worth in a buy out based on a hypothetical redevelopment. What do you think starbucks would pay for that lot if it green island was part of an organized build out? I'd guess it would be more than they have made in the last decade in profit. Does that justify pushing them out? I don't know, but I do know someone has to pay for the potholes to be filled in tomorrows dollars.
Re: InCity Times strikes again
Lets just have a drinking contest. Maybe there should be some kind of incentive program for relocation.
Re: InCity Times strikes again
see now we're talking. On the relocation tip that is. I felt that way with the Paris.
Worcester common: not the place for married guys to go for gay sex.
But does that mean there is no market for married men and gay sex? Of course not, a red light district of sorts would be perfect in Worcester. Maybe we need a new 'industrial' district. I think the Webster St. area could be an idea, or maybe, the old Wyman Gordon lot. Turn that into an area for small, daytime industry! I bet every buisness in Green Island would fit and then some. An mini industrial park for a post industrial world. I'm a genious. It would save a bundle on the clean up too.
Drinks are on you!
Re: InCity Times strikes again
Gents, I think there is plenty of room in this city for both corporate and mom and pop. I am sure that Starbucks is doing fine on Gold Star (I never go in, but they're still open) and I know the Bean Counter does well. They cater to different people for different things. So there is no reason that they can not co-exist, especially in this city.
I love the relocation ideas loaded with tax breaks. Give a huge break to the developer of the complex and breaks to all businesses that move there. Then redevelope Green Island into a hopping entertainment area with bars, restaurants, shopping etc. to complement Shrewsbury St (or vise versa) and now you have an entire section of town that is right off of 290 that appeals to a larger portion of the population from with and without the city.
I think you guys should run for mayor.